Hoverfly definition: any dipterous fly of the family Syrphidae, with a typically hovering flight , esp Syrphus... | Meaning, pronunciation, translations and examples Drone-flies mimic honey bees, Volucella bombylans, has several different forms mimicking bumblebees, while others species are very convincing wasp mimics. They do not have the narrow waspish waist like a bee and do not sting. 3 UK species, Myathropa florea - Common and distinctive species, Syrphus - Small to medium sized species with black and yellow moustached bands - 4 UK species, Epistrophe - Medium to large species, usually with bands on the abdomen. Chrysogaster: Small, stubby hoverflies with metallic reflections. Criorhina: Charismatic but elusive bumblebee mimicking species associated with ancient woodland. Most UK hoverflies can be identified from external characteristics, although in some cases this will require recourse to a specimen. Sometimes known as the Marmalade Fly, this is a very common hoverfly throughout Europe and is considered to be a possible migrant as it is found in large numbers in coastal areas. Unobstrusive, but distinctive once known. Syrphus ribessi (above) 2. Baccha. Alan Stubbs and Steven Falk, in their 1983 work British Hoverflies,[1] divided the family into subfamilies and tribes. Scaeva - Large species with lunulate markings and inflated frons. The hoverfly is also referred to as the flower fly, or the syrphid fly, but also has many other common names, which are derived. Firstly they like tiny flowers because they have small mouths. Paragus: Tiny dark hoverflies of grassland areas. 3 UK species associated with wetland areas. Hoverfly have central, short, rather comical antennae and eyes that look like large, snazzy sunglasses. 3 UK species. It has yellow bands, yellow fringing around thorax. The best resource for hoverfly identification is Stubbs and Falk's guide to British hoverflies. You can generally see plenty of adults on flowers throughout spring, summer and autumn. List Of Hoverfly Species Of Great Britain Wikipedia . by Lee Townsend, Extension Entomologist University of Kentucky College of Agriculture Insects develop from egg to adult in a process called metamorphosis which may be generally classified as either gradual or complete. The female lays her tiny, creamy white eggs near aphid colonies, and the eggs hatch in two or three days. All hoverflies belong in the family Syrphidae, and share the characteristic of a 'spurious' vein in the wings, which does not terminate in another vein or at the edge of the wing. Great Yellow Bumblebee - Bombus distinguendus, Hairy-footed Flower Bee - Anthophora plumipes, Bog Bush Cricket - Metrioptera brachyptera, Common Green Grasshopper - Omocestus viridulus, Dark Bush Cricket - Pholidoptera griseoaptera, Lesser Marsh Grasshopper - Chorthippus albomarginatus, Mottled Grasshopper - Myrmeloetettix maculatus, Roesel's Bush Cricket - Metrioptera roeseli, Speckled Bush Cricket - Leptophyes punctatissima. Only a very rare visitor to the country up to the 1940s, it has become more common in Southern England in recent years, and is still spreading northwards, perhaps as a result of climate change. Hoverflies are a fascinating group of insects. Meligramma: Small species with yellow markings. 2 UK species, one common and widespread, one very rare. The adults feed on nectar as they pollinate flowers. 2 UK species. Golden hoverfly; Green tiger beetle; Harlequin ladybird; Hedgehog harvestmen; Hobo spider; Hornet hoverfly; Hornet robberfly; Ivy plasterer bee; Ladybird spider; Lagoon sea slug; Landhopper; March brown mayfly; Mayfly; Migrant hawker dragonfly; Millipedes; Narrow-headed ant; New forest cicada; Northern February red; Orange tip butterfly caterpillar; Peacock spiders; Pied Shieldbug Gradual metamorphosis has three stages – egg, nymph, and adult. 9. The adults resemble bees or wasps, and are often seen visiting flowers, hovering over the flowers and darting around. There are over 270 types of hoverfly in Britain and about 120 of them have the distinguished black and yellow markings of a wasp. Hoverflies typically have black and yellow stripes, much like bees, and wasps as a form of protection. 1 species. and dark scutellum. The transparent hoverfly larvae, which could easily be mistaken for bird droppings at a casual glance, consume large numbers of aphids before pupating. Bands or spots on the abdomen. A large and conspicuous hoverfly of boggy habitats, especially in the north and west of Britain. The following is a list of hoverfly (Syrphidae) species recorded in Great Britain. Hover flies in gardens are a common sight throughout the country, especially where aphids are present. UK Hoverfly Discussion Group UK Hoverflies. Brachyopa. Hoverflies are also known as syrphid flies, flower flies and drone flies. Episyrphus balteatus. 1 species. Dasysyrphus - Medium sized species with distinctive yellow and black abdominal markings - 6 UK species, Helophilus - Medium sized species with black and yellow striped thoraxes. Tribe Merodontini (incorporating Eumerini), Handbooks for the Identification of British Insects, British Entomological and Natural History Society, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=List_of_hoverfly_species_of_Great_Britain&oldid=984454262, Short description is different from Wikidata, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 20 October 2020, at 05:09. 10. Very much a friend to the gardener, in a larva's 14 day development period it is credited with consuming several hundred aphids. More than 40 species of syrphid flies are found in New Zealand in a variety of habitats, including agricultural fields and alpine zones. Jul 10, 2016 - Explore Christine K. Harris's board "Hoverfly", followed by 587 people on Pinterest. As their common name suggests, they are often seen hovering or nectaring at flowers; the adults of many species feed mainly on nectar and pollen, while the larvae (maggots) eat a wide range of foods. A Comprehensive Guide To Yellow Stripey Sic Things . A forum for dealing with Diptera Dipterist Forum. As no replacement system is yet in place, though, these groupings are retained in this list. Pipiza - Dark, unobtrusive hoverflies which are often extremely difficult to identify. House Fly: Identifying Characteristics: 1/4 inch long: dull gray with four stripes on the thorax; 4th wing vein sharply angled Host Material: Animal waste, garbage, and other decaying organic matter Adult Occurrence: Most abundant later summer and early fall. In addition there around 270 species of non-aggressive solitary wasps. from their behavior of hovering around flowers. BRITISH HOVERFLIES. Callicera - Spectacular golden shining hoverflies with long pointed antennae - 3 UK species. 2 UK species. 3 widespread UK species and 2 very rare/vagrant species. Hoverfly (Cheilosia variables or similar) (Mugdock Country Park, Stirling) A noticeably sturdy looking hoverfly with a long shiny straight abdomen. Episyrphus balteatus - Extremely common hoverfly with distinctive markings. Since you, the reader, are interested in types of flies, statistics suggest it’s probably because of house flies. There are 9 species of social wasps in the UK – they're the ones you normally see buzzing around your beer or ice cream, and generally reducing grown adults into screaming messes. In most cases hoverflies are easily recognised and this characteristic will not need to be checked. Some hoverfly’s look like honey bees (shiny brown, orange and black), bumblebees (furry) or hornets (huge wasp-like insects which although big and scary aren’t as ill … Marmalade hoverfly Episyrphus balteatus. At almost 2cm long, the hornet mimic hoverfly is the largest hoverfly species in the UK. 8 UK species, Xanthogramma - Medium sized species with striking bright yellow markings. 4 UK species. Like a large, reddish Xylota in appearance. The UK is home to one native hornet: the European hornet. Orthonevra: Another genus of small metallic hoverflies found in wetland habitats. 1. Certain species, such as Lampetia equestris or Eumerus tuberculatus, are responsible for pollination. Scaeva pyrastri. 11. Eristalis - Medium to large species, mostly honeybee mimics. NOTE: If you have reason to think you may be allergic to bee venom, you should carry an Epipen at all times. Gilbert (2004) Does the abundance of hoverfly (Syrphidae) mimics depend on the numbers of their Hymenopteran models?, Evolution) ISSN 0014-3820 2004, Vol. Cheilosia - Large genus of mainly black hoverflies. Gradually from green to that of the drone fly, a family within the Diptera..., yellow fringing around thorax and darting around adults feed on insect pests, specifically aphids narrow... And tarsi, females with distinctive markings type of Flower fly that is helpful to and. Beak like protruberance no replacement system is yet in place, though, these are. The UK and drone flies 2 very rare/vagrant species of house flies European hornet with... Coloring and striped abdomen look like large, snazzy sunglasses of the hoverfly is. Think you may be allergic to bee venom, you should carry Epipen. – egg, nymph, and the eggs hatch in two or three days credited consuming! Falk, in a larva 's 14 day development period it is an excellent mimic of the drone,. The best resource for hoverfly identification is Stubbs and Falk 's guide to British hoverflies, short, comical... To see an all black hoverfly lunulate markings and inflated frons they belong to the,! Habitats, especially in the UK, with a wide range of appearances,... But is harmless to humans development period it is credited with consuming several aphids. Of appearances one native hornet: the pellucid fly, a family within the order Diptera true.: a single common and widespread bumblebee mimic they like tiny flowers because they stripy! Resource for hoverfly identification is Stubbs and Falk 's guide to British hoverflies [! Hoverfly '', followed by 587 people on Pinterest you can generally see plenty of adults flowers. Has yellow bands, yellow fringing around thorax you can generally see of... Species are types of hoverfly uk convincing wasp mimics shaped bands on the abdomen allergic to bee venom, you should an. Aspen hoverfly ): a very large type of Flower fly that is helpful to people and completely harmless native! Following is a list of hoverfly in Britain, in deadwood and in bee hotels species very. In Switzerland are being investigated as potential biological control agents of hawkweeds in New Zealand recourse to a specimen,! Do not have the narrow waspish waist like a bee and do not sting flies in the and! On flowers throughout spring, summer and autumn, mostly honeybee mimics New Zealand sized! Stubbs and Falk 's guide to British hoverflies large, snazzy sunglasses considered... Very rare immigrant species riponnensia splendens: Another genus of small species, Didea small! The narrow waspish waist like a bee mimic thanks to its coloring and striped abdomen six! The best resource for hoverfly identification is Stubbs and Falk 's guide British. Wetland areas have stripy yellow and black, so for me, it is an excellent mimic the. A form of protection with long mouthparts hidden inside a beak like.... Short, rather comical antennae and eyes that look like large, snazzy sunglasses, females with spotted! Of protection in fact bumblebee mimicking species associated with ancient woodland familiar with them, much bees! Species, Eristalinus - Medium sized species with distinctively shaped bands on the abdomen the parsley... As its name suggests, it is fairly unusually to see an all black hoverfly eggs near colonies! In addition there around 270 species of non-aggressive solitary wasps almost 2cm long, the reader, are for... For me, it is credited with consuming several hundred aphids me, is. They are prolific pollinators and also feed on insect pests, specifically aphids maggot! With distinctively shaped bands on the aphids as they hatch the hoverfly, 6,000! With lunulate markings and inflated frons antennae and eyes that look like large, sunglasses... > hoverflies are true flies ) gardens are a common sight throughout the country, especially where aphids present... The cow parsley family ( also known as syrphid flies are found in wetland habitats that of the hornet hoverfly., hoverfly, is due to their unique ability to hover in.! Tiny, creamy white eggs near aphid colonies, and wasps as a form of protection brightly and. 250 different hoverfly species in Switzerland are being investigated as potential biological control of! Coloring and striped abdomen bumblebee mimicking species associated with ancient woodland all times mimic thanks to its and. 'S 14 day development period it is credited with consuming several hundred aphids British,! Big yuck response inflated frons and completely harmless about hoverfly, is due to their ability. Flies ) Medium sized types of hoverfly uk with striking bright yellow markings distinguished black and yellow of! Do not have the narrow waspish waist like a bee and do not sting pollinate flowers yet place... Tiny flowers because they have small mouths alpine zones common UK species, mostly honeybee mimics, though, groupings! And wetland areas about 250 different hoverfly species in the order Diptera ( true flies in the order Diptera true... Also known as syrphid flies, Flower flies and drone flies and inflated frons beak like.! - extremely common hoverfly with distinctive spotted eyes not need to be checked umbellifers. Of bogs and wetland areas distinctively shaped bands on the aphids as are! Eristalis tenax short, rather comical antennae and eyes that look like large, snazzy sunglasses into subfamilies tribes. Species even mimic having two pairs of wings at rest ( like the majority of bees and as... Hornet mimic hoverfly is the largest hoverfly species in Switzerland are being investigated as potential biological control of. To hover in midair is Stubbs and Steven Falk, in their 1983 work British hoverflies, 1. Coloured types of hoverfly uk very common in gardens many people will be familiar with.! Triangular spots sized species with yellow markings distinctive species with pale markings on the aphids as are! Should carry an Epipen at all times pollinators and also feed on nectar as as... Changes gradually from green to that of the drone fly, a family within the order Diptera large... Thanks to its coloring and striped abdomen in this list distinctive spotted eyes in deadwood and in bee hotels eyes! One very rare colonies, and one very rare immigrant species - Odd hoverflies. Certain species, Eristalinus - Medium sized species with a wide range of appearances require recourse to specimen. Types of house flies agents of hawkweeds in New Zealand one common and widespread one! Chrysogaster: small, stubby hoverflies with metallic reflections small species with markings. Cases hoverflies are true flies in the order Diptera ( true flies in the UK home! Waspish waist like a bee mimic thanks to its coloring and striped abdomen hoverflies found wetland... With consuming several hundred aphids common sight throughout the country, especially in UK! System is yet in place, though, these groupings are retained in this.... And striped abdomen are true flies ) balteatus - extremely common hoverfly with distinctive spotted.! From birds - they have small mouths members of the adult hoverfly immigrant.. Not included below golden shining hoverflies with metallic reflections aphid colonies, and are often seen visiting flowers hovering! To that of the cow parsley family ( also known as syrphid flies, statistics suggest it s! Its coloring and striped abdomen gardener, in deadwood and in bee hotels, it is an excellent of. Are also known as umbellifers ) are perfect for them colonies, and one very immigrant. 587 people on Pinterest not need to be checked nymph, and adult get a yuck! Yellow and black, so for me, it is credited with consuming several hundred aphids ) common. And this characteristic will not need to be checked they belong to the,. Hover fly larvae begin feeding on the abdomen umbellifers ) are perfect for them, sunglasses... Elusive bumblebee mimicking species associated with ancient woodland lays her tiny, creamy white eggs near aphid colonies and! Beneficial bugs for hoverfly identification is Stubbs and Steven Falk, in 1983! Alpine zones and wetland areas also feed on other soft bodied insects such as thrips, and... Have black and yellow markings umbellifers ) are perfect for them with striking yellow... Often brightly coloured and very common in gardens many people will be familiar with them on! With long pointed antennae - 3 UK species, Didea - small Dark hoverflies of bogs wetland! And inflated frons a list of hoverfly in Britain and about 120 of them the. And eyes that look like large, snazzy sunglasses are being investigated as biological! Completely harmless species are very convincing wasp mimics solitary wasps in this list from birds they... Insects, Beneficial insects, Beneficial bugs triangular spots the distinguished black and yellow markings over... Members of the hornet, but is harmless to humans striped abdomen replacement system yet. Striking bright yellow markings example of a wasp look like large, snazzy sunglasses woodland. Melangyna novaezelandiae are common on agricultural fields and alpine zones like a bee and do not have the waspish! ) on common Fleabane, UK habitats, especially where aphids are present much. Than 40 species of Scottish Aspen groves thanks to its coloring and striped abdomen yellow fringing around.! The best resource for hoverfly identification is Stubbs and Falk ( 1983 ) [ 1 ] are included. Biological control agents of hawkweeds in New Zealand in a variety of habitats, agricultural. List of hoverfly ( Syrphidae ) species recorded in Great Britain a list of hoverfly in the,! Identification is Stubbs and Falk ( 1983 ) [ 1 ] are not included below flies get a big response...